Chapter 9
By eight o'clock the following morning, the autumn sky over the city cleared into a breathtaking expanse of brilliant blue. The warm morning sunlight washed over the Marchetti estate, illuminating the soaring cream-colored limestone walls, the polished marble terraces, and the lush green gardens.
The dark shadows of thirty-one years of deception, grief, and hidden treason had been completely swept away, leaving behind a fortress of pure, untouchable peace.
In the secluded garden clearing behind the ancient granite wall, a team of private estate craftsmen worked under Dominick's direct supervision.
The old, dilapidated gardener's shed was carefully dismantled, its weathered wood removed to make way for a breathtaking new addition to the grounds. On the exact spot where the secret box had rested for three decades, a magnificent marble memorial gazebo was constructed, featuring carved white stone columns, comfortable cream velvet seating, and sweeping arches draped in white roses and sweet-scented jasmine—his late mother's favorite flowers.
Standing inside the newly completed gazebo, wearing a comfortable black cashmere sweater rolled up at his muscular forearms, was Dominick Marchetti. His dark brown hair was neat, his sharp jawline relaxed, his piercing dark eyes bright with a deep, untouchable peace.
Walking down the cobblestone path toward the gazebo was Elina, wearing a beautiful pale-pink wool dress, her golden-brown hair styled in soft waves, her face radiant and happy.
And running ahead of her on her fast, healthy feet was three-year-old Sophia.
Sophia wore a fresh pale-blue floral princess dress with puffed ruffled sleeves, delicate white lace trim, white frilly socks, and cream-colored Mary Jane shoes, a bright white satin ribbon tied neatly in her golden-blonde curls. She was giggling happily as she carried her cream plush bunny with floppy ears in her small arms.
"Mr. Dominick! Look!" Sophia cheered in her sweet, high-pitched voice, running into the gazebo and jumping right into his broad legs.
Dominick let out a rich, handsome laugh—a deep, booming sound that filled the sunlit gardens—and dropped down onto one knee, scooping the tiny girl into his broad, muscular arms, lifting her high into the warm sky as she squealed with delight.
He set her down gently on the soft marble bench, kissing her rosy cheek.
"You look like a little queen today, Sophia," Dominick said softly.
Sophia giggled, holding up her cream stuffed bunny toward the white rose archways. "Bunny says the new house is pretty!"
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Elina walked into the gazebo, looking at Dominick with eyes filled with deep, quiet affection and profound gratitude. "She hasn't stopped running around since she woke up."
"She can run as much as she wants, Elina," Dominick replied gently, taking Elina's hand in his broad, calloused palm, his dark eyes meeting hers with an undeniable warmth. "This is your home now. Forever."
